Mörön Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mörön, Mongolia with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, hiking trails, local food, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Mörön

Mörön is a town located in northern Mongolia, surrounded by mountains, forests, and vast grasslands. It is the capital of Khövsgöl Province and acts as a gateway to the famous Lake Khövsgöl National Park, a stunning freshwater lake that sits near the Russian border.

With a population of approximately 40,000 people, Mörön is a small town that offers a unique travel experience for those who want to discover the authentic Mongolian culture and lifestyle.

In this guide, we will show you the best places to visit, the most exciting outdoor activities to do, local foods to try, accommodations to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Mörön

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mörön Museum – The museum showcases the history and traditional way of life of Khövsgöl province, including a collection of artifacts, costumes, and musical instruments.
  • Zaya Pandita Museum – The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Zaya Pandita, a prominent Buriat Mongol Buddhist scholar, who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Khar Zurkh Mountain – This mountain holds great cultural significance for the Mongolian people, where a large rock holds etchings of ancient petroglyphs.

Natural Attractions of Mörön: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Khövsgöl National Park - This beautiful national park is home to the famous Lake Khövsgöl, which is also known as the Dark Blue Pearl. The park offers breathtaking views, hiking opportunities, and traditional Mongolian ger camps.
  • Reindeer Herders’ Family – A visit to a reindeer herder’s family offers a unique way to learn about the nomadic lifestyle of the people who live in the area.
  • Tsaatan Tribe – The Tsaatan tribe is a small community of reindeer herders who practice shamanism and preserve their unique culture and traditions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mörön

  • Lake Khövsgöl Trek – This is a four-day trek around the beautiful Lake Khövsgöl, and it offers stunning views and an unforgettable experience.
  • Hiking to Jigleg Pass – Jigleg Pass is a natural pass between two beautiful lakes, and the hike offers breathtaking views.
  • Biking through Khoridol Saridag Mountains – The stunning Khoridol Saridag Mountains are a perfect place for a biking adventure with beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Mörön: Activities and Tours

  • Horseback Riding – Mongolia is famous for its horse culture, and a horseback riding tour is a great way to explore the area.
  • Hot Spring Bathing - Relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
  • Winter Adventure Activities – During the winter season, Mörön offers a range of outdoor activities, such as ice fishing, dog sledding, and skiing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mörön

Day 1 Arrival and settle down in accommodation
Day 2 Visit Mörön Museum and Khar Zurkh Mountain
Day 3 Explore Lake Khövsgöl National Park and overnight in a Mongolian ger camp
Day 4 Trekking around Lake Khövsgöl and stunning views
Day 5 Visiting Reindeer Herders’ Family
Day 6 Hot Spring Bathing and Horseback Riding
Day 7 Departure from Mörön or other activities

Food and Drink Scene of Mörön

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buuz – Buuz is a traditional Mongolian steamed dumpling filled with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices.
  • Khuushuur – Khuushuur is a fried dumpling filled with minced meat and onions.
  • Airag – Airag is a traditional Mongolian beverage made from fermented mare’s milk.

Local Beverages

  • Mongolian Vodka – Mongolian vodka or “Archi” is a famous alcoholic drink in Mongolia, which is usually made from rice, wheat, or barley.
  • Suutei Tsai – Suutei Tsai is a salty tea brewed with milk or cream and is a popular beverage in Mongolian culture.

Where to Stay in Mörön: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Munkh Guesthouse – Munkh Guesthouse is a cozy and affordable place to stay, offering private rooms and shared bathrooms.
  • Khatgal Lodge – Khatgal Lodge is a comfortable hotel located near Lake Khövsgöl, offering stunning views and traditional Mongolian ger accommodations.

What to Buy in Mörön: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cashmere – Mongolia is famous for its high-quality cashmere products, such as sweaters, scarves, and shawls.
  • Bows and Arrows – Mongolia is known for its traditional archery, and visitors can purchase handmade bows and arrows to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Mörön

Mongolia is a country steeped in culture and traditions, and Mörön is no exception. Visitors can experience the authentic Mongolian way of life by participating in local customs, such as:

  • Naadam Festival – Naadam is a traditional celebration of Mongolian culture, held annually in July. It includes competitions in wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
  • Nomadic Lifestyle – Many Mongolians still live a traditional nomadic lifestyle, and visitors can experience this by staying in traditional Mongolian ger camps or visiting nomadic families.

Best Time to Visit Mörön

The best time to visit Mörön is during the summer season, from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the landscape is lush and green. However, for winter sports enthusiasts, the winter season also offers an array of exhilarating outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mörön

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste.

Don’t:

  • Touch the head of others, especially children, as it is considered disrespectful.
  • Enter a ger house wearing shoes, as it is considered impolite.
  • Drink tap water, as it is not safe for consumption.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mörön

Mörön is a relatively safe place to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, such as:

  • Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Stay on designated trails when hiking to avoid getting lost or encountering wildlife.
  • Avoid using unlicensed taxis.

Health in Mörön

Mörön is located in a remote area, with limited medical facilities available. Visitors should take necessary precautions to maintain their health, such as:

  • Drink only bottled or boiled water.
  • Use insect repellent to avoid insect-borne diseases.
  • Carry a first-aid kit for emergencies.

Getting to Mörön: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mörön

The nearest airport to Mörön is Mörön Airport, which offers domestic flights to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

Bus Stations Near Mörön

Mörön has a bus station that connects it to the nearby towns and cities. It is also possible to take a bus from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private car or a taxi to reach Mörön. However, this option can be expensive and time-consuming.

How to Get Around in Mörön

Walking and biking are the best ways to get around in Mörön, and visitors can rent bicycles from local vendors. Taxis are also available, but visitors should negotiate the fares before getting into the cab.

Where to Go Next from Mörön: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ulaanbaatar – The capital city of Mongolia is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyle.
  • Terelj National Park – Terelj National Park is a stunning natural park located near Ulaanbaatar, offering hiking, trekking, and rock climbing opportunities.
  • Gobi Desert – The vast and barren Gobi Desert is a significant attraction in Mongolia, and visitors can take guided tours to explore the rugged landscape.

Conclusion

Mörön is a hidden gem in northern Mongolia that offers an authentic and unforgettable travel experience. From stunning natural landscapes to traditional customs and delicious local food, there is something for everyone in Mörön. We hope this guide has given you a comprehensive insight into the town and helps you plan your trip to this beautiful part of the world.

Chingunjav Memorial and administration buildings on Mörön's main square Chingunjav Memorial and administration buildings on Mörön's main square Statue of monk who tried to fly with homemade wings in the 1930s Statue of monk who tried to fly with homemade wings in the 1930s Museum and theatre on central square Museum and theatre on central square Deerstone Complex Deerstone Complex Mörön Monastery Mörön Monastery Mörön statue Mörön statue Lake Hovsgol Lake Hovsgol